BEHAVIORS TO BE PREPARED FOR
THE AGGRESSIVE CAMPER...
The aggressive camper has many ways of exhibiting her problems: rebelling, bragging, bullying, being
extreme in dress or make-up, talking constantly, complaining, using profanity, fighting, etc. Try not to
give attention for negative behavior (except to prevent someone from getting hurt) and try to praise
positive behavior. Give her more responsibility to channel the energy in a more socially acceptable
manner.
THE HERO-WORSHIPER...
Another normal situation that might arise is for a camper to select someone who represents his highest
ideals and aspirations; she will idolize, cherish, and worship this individual. The model chosen is often a
counselor or staff member. If you become the object of a camper’s admiration, don’t let it go to your
head. As a counselor you have a real opportunity to influence the development of young people through
role modeling. Conduct yourself in such a way that your behavior provides a healthy model for your
campers.
THE WITHDRAWN CAMPER...
The quiet camper is often ignored by the counselor. The counselor doesn’t recognize that this child
needs help and devotes her attention to the demands of the more aggressive campers. The withdrawn
child spends time: daydreaming, blaming others, feeling sorry for herself, developing an illness, avoiding
her own age group and attaching to adults, being bored, choosing solitary activities, quitting before
activities are finished, etc. Try to get this camper involved with activities. Try to promote a friendship
between this camper and another. Don’t push the camper into activities which may be too difficult or
where the risk of failure is high; instead, find activities where success is almost guaranteed. Help this
camper develop a more positive self-esteem.
THE BEDWETTER...
Bedwetting can be caused by nervousness, fear of the dark, dislike of the camp restrooms, overconsumption of liquids, or failure to empty the bladder before going to bed. If you find that a camper
wets the bed, don’t call everyone’s attention to it. Quietly and discreetly take the wet sheets and put
them in a garbage bag and then have the camper put them with their luggage, make sure we know so
we can tell them parents at check-out. Give the camper something to sleep on until the next morning.
THE HOMESICK CAMPER...
Homesickness can strike almost any camper, especially those who have not been away from home very
much. Homesickness usually occurs when the need for security is not being met. Things seem too
different from home. Homesickness manifests itself with headaches, stomachaches, or both. First of
all, provide security. Help the camper feel “at home” by showing her where things are, and helping her
understand the camp schedule and routines. Having somebody to do things with is also a form of
security, so help the camper meet new people and make new friends. Be careful not to be overly
emotional when you have a homesick camper. You can aggravate the problem by overreacting. Do
provide sympathy, but don’t promise things you cannot deliver. (Parents will never be called unless it is
an emergency.) The best medicine for homesick campers is to get them involved in the “here and now”
of the event. Keep the conversation in the present tense and focused on the fun of the event.